Abinader Opens Dominican Parade in Rome, Highlights Diaspora and Food Security Progress

Abinader and First Lady Raquel Arbaje led the inauguration of the Dominican Parade on Sunday, October 11, in Rome, an event designed to showcase the country’s cultural heritage and recognize the contributions of Dominicans living in Italy. According to the presidency, approximately 6,000 Dominicans reside in Rome, while Italy is home to one of the largest Dominican communities in Europe after Spain.

The president praised the community’s entrepreneurial spirit, determination and ability to overcome challenges, saying these qualities help strengthen the Dominican Republic’s reputation abroad.

The celebration featured traditional music, folkloric dances and clothing displaying the national colors. Organizers presented the event as a way to preserve Dominican traditions among citizens living overseas and reinforce their connection to their homeland.

Abinader Maintains Invitation for Pope Leo XIV to Visit in 2027

The president also reaffirmed his intention to welcome Pope Leo XIV to the Dominican Republic in 2027. The invitation is part of the government’s diplomatic engagement with the Vatican during Abinader’s visit to Rome.

The announcement followed the pontiff’s statement during the Sunday Angelus that he would undergo surgery in the coming days to remove a lung nodule detected at an early stage. Abinader said the invitation remained in place.

Any visit in 2027 would depend on the Vatican’s arrangements and the pope’s schedule. The Dominican government has not announced a confirmed date for such a visit.

Dominican Republic Set to Receive FAO Recognition for Zero Hunger Progress

Abinader also highlighted the Dominican Republic’s reported progress in reducing hunger and poverty, emphasizing that economic growth should lead to measurable improvements in people’s living conditions.

The president placed the country alongside Brazil, Costa Rica, Uruguay, Chile and Guyana as nations that have made significant advances in food security.

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) confirmed in July 2026 that the Dominican Republic had reduced its prevalence of undernourishment below 2.5%, the threshold used by the organization to identify countries that have moved off its Hunger Map. The milestone supports the government’s announcement that the country will receive recognition for its progress toward the Zero Hunger goal during the 2026 World Food Forum in Rome.

However, meeting the undernourishment threshold does not mean that every household has secure access to nutritious food. Maintaining the gains and improving diet quality remain important challenges, consistent with the president’s call for economic development to deliver tangible social benefits.

The Rome visit brings together cultural outreach to the Dominican diaspora, diplomatic engagement with the Vatican and participation in international discussions on food security. These activities reflect the government’s efforts to strengthen the country’s international relationships while presenting its social and economic progress to global partners.